The eco-friendly subsidy for electric scooters, license-free cars, bicycles, and motorcycles has come to an end. This decision concerns manufacturers and could slow down the adoption of green mobility.
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A Shock to Industry Players
The eco-friendly bonus for electric scooters, cars that don’t require a driver’s license, motorcycles, and bicycles is now discontinued. Announced suddenly by official decree, this elimination could put brakes on an already vulnerable market. For many, it’s a heavy blow arriving at the worst possible time, amid rising inflation and decreased purchasing power.
This decision means buyers will now have to pay full price. An electric scooter like the Niu Uqi Sport will now cost 2,350 euros instead of 1,450 euros with the previous subsidy. This price increase could deter many potential customers. Drivers of license-free cars (including many students who drive an Ami) will also be affected. Cyclists who ride electric bikes will have to look for local grants, if available.
Industry professionals are openly worried. At Pink Mobility, a French manufacturer, it’s a time for rallying. After investing in a factory in France, the company is questioning the future of its operations. These decisions discourage investors and weaken local businesses
, laments Ghislain Lestienne, the company’s president.
A Market Already Slowing Down
In 2024, electric two-wheeler sales were already struggling to take off. Sales of 50 cm³ scooters dropped by 20% in the first nine months of the year. Without financial support, industry professionals fear a prolonged stagnation. Avere France, an association, believes that one in two buyers would have reconsidered their purchase without this subsidy. We are exacerbating an already critical situation
, they warn.
Even high-end electric models, like the BMW CE04, are struggling. Though, in this premium segment where prices exceed 15,000 euros, the former subsidy was less influential in the purchasing decision. Clearly, no one is spared.
A Mixed Signal for Ecological Transition
The termination of this subsidy is particularly troubling in a context where the government claims to be committed to accelerating ecological transition. Industry professionals are calling for an emergency plan to support electric mobility stakeholders. In the meantime, some consumers might revert to cheaper thermal models for their vehicle needs.
This decision puts everyone in a difficult position: manufacturers, buyers, and even the planet. This might not be the best time to put the brakes on the country’s electric ambitions. We’re not likely to see the disappearance of gas-powered scooters from our streets, along with their accompanying noise pollution…